Stetson, B-CU take football to new level in Volusia

Saturday

Sep 7, 2013 at 12:01 AM

College football in Volusia County rose to a new level last week, with Stetson University winning in its long-awaited return to the gridiron and Bethune-Cookman University claiming a dramatic win on the road against a powerful opponent.Fans of both schools are getting ready today for the season’s second contests: Stetson is on the road, playing at Florida Tech at 7 p.m., while B-CU will take on Virginia Union at 4 p.m. at Daytona Beach’s Municipal Stadium.The excitement at the two universities is contagious. Americans love football — the sport brings people together and creates a sense of community within the larger community. The Stetson and B-CU football teams are revving up the alumni and sparking new interest the schools in Volusia County and across the country. Football is a college amenity — students go to college to learn and improve their life prospects, not watch football. But football can raise a university’s profile and energize its graduates, thereby aiding the primary academic mission. Football also can enhance the college experience for students by stoking what used to be called school spirit. Thanks to the decisions of President Wendy Libby and athletic director Jeff Altier at Stetson, and the coaching of Brian Jenkins at Bethune-Cookman, the two universities are reaping the benefits of the passion people bring to college football. With Altier urging that Stetson have another go at football after a 57-year hiatus, and Libby giving her enthusiastic support, the university in DeLand embarked on a two-year journey that ended last Saturday — well, and Sunday too. A standing room crowd at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium saw football recommence as the Hatters kicked off against Warner University. A 19-hour delay caused by a lightning storm Saturday night didn’t stop the Hatters from whomping Warner, 31-3.Businesses in downtown DeLand liked the weekend crowds, and Libby saw the positives. “I think every Hatter has had a great weekend,” she said. “They got two ballgames for the price of one.”Jenkins has transformed the B-CU football program, turning it into a power in the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision). The Wildcats went 9-3 last year, and were rated in the top 25 in preseason FCS polls. Last week’s Wildcat win at Tennessee State, which wasn’t secured until State missed a field-goal attempt in the final seconds, gave B-CU added momentum.This is quite a year for college football in Volusia County. Every game this season is a historic event for Stetson, and the Bethune-Cookman team is making its mark in the university’s long sports history. Volusia County definitely is ready for some more football.